ABRIDGED 
CATECHISM 

OF 

CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE 

BY 
REV. JOS. DEHARBE, S. J. 



NEW EDITION 
BX ""^ '^ 

190! 

^ FR. PUSTET & CO. 
NEV RK & CINCINNATI 




Class _„BXilil 
Book 4\J^ 



Copght]^°_ 



HO/ 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSm 



ABRIDGED CATECHISM 



OF 



CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE 



BY 



REV. JOS. DEHARBE, S.J. 



NEW EDITION, 



SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR USE IN THE PAROCHIAL 
SCHOOLS OF THE UNITED STATES. 



FR. PUSTET, 

Printer to.the Holy Apostolic See and the S. Congregation of Rites. 



FR. PUSTET & CO., 

NEW YORK, N. I. CINCINNATI, OHIO, 



>^. 



1^' 



Imprimatur : 



MICHAEL AUGUSTINE, 

Archbishop of New York. 



/ -• ; J^y^e 20t£i!; i96|« ' ; 



THE LIBRARY OF 
CONGRESS, 

Two CowK Received 

JUN. 4 1902 

COPyWQHT ENTRY 

CLASS <2oOCa No. 
COPY B. 



Copyright iqoj 

ER WI N STEIN BACK, 

gf th^ firm of Fr, Pustet & Co, 



ST. PETER'S CATHEDRAL, 




325 WEST EIGHTH STREET, 
CINCINNATI, O. 



March 15th, igo2. 
Messrs. Fr. Pustet & Co. 

Gentlemen : — Your new edition of Deharbe' s 
Catechism in German and English, has been 
examined and recommended by a very competent 
theologian of my diocese. 

Consequently I approve it ; and I allow it to 
be used in this diocese* 

WILLIAM HENRY ELDER, 

Archbp. Cincinnati. 



^^ 198 East Broad Street X^ 



Columbus^ OhiOy March gihy igo2^ 
Fr, Pustet 6- Co, 

New York.N. Y, 

Gentlemen: — I take much pleasure in being able to 
approve and recommend your German-English edition of 
Deharbe^s Catechism, It will be difficult to find a 
Catechism superior to Deharbe^s, It has gone through 
many editions. Unfortunately in some editions changes 
were made^ which^ instead of improving rather impaired 
the author^ s work. The edition which you have chosen 
for circulation is one which has not been subject to these 
alterations. The doctrine is clearly stated and questions 
follow questions in logical order. 

In addition to the small Catechism in use in some of 
our schools i it is not only advisable but necessary to in' 
troduce^ at least in the higher grades ^ a larger one. We are 
living in times when our children must be well grounded 
in the principles of their faith and the teachings of the 
Church, For obtaining this fuller instruction^ I recom^ 
mend in a special manner your edition of Deharbe*s, 

Pastors who find it necessary to require the children 
to study the Catechism^ in the German and English 
laT^uageSy will find this work of yours very serviceable. 

Sincerely yours in Christ, 

HENR V MOELLER, 

Bishop of Columbus, 



EPISCOPAL RESIDENCE, 

Cleveland, Ohio, April i6th, 1902. 
Fr, Pustet & Co, 

Thanks for the new edition of Catechism of 
Christian Doctrine by Deharbe, S- J* It needs no 
comfnendation. Its use almost everywhere is its 
best praise. 

IGJ^ATIUS F. HO^STMAJ^J^, 

(Bishop of Cleveland. 



— V — 

Prayers and Instructions. 



The 8i^n of the Cross. 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and 
of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 

The Lord's Prayer. 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy 
name ; thy kingdom come ; thy will be done on 
earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our 
daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we 
forgive them that trespass against us. And 
lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from 
evil. Amen. 

The Angelical Salutation. 

Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; 
blessed art thou among women, and blessed 
is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, 
Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and 
at the hour of our death. Amen. 

The Apostles' Creed, 

I believe in God, the Father Almighty. Creator 
of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His 
only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the 
Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered 



— VI — 

under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and 
was buried ; he descended, into hell ; the third 
day he rose again from the dead ; he ascended 
into heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God 
the Father Almighty ; from thence he shall 
come to judge the living and the dead. I be- 
lieve in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic 
Church, the communion of saints, the forgive- 
ness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and 
life everlasting. Amen. 

The Ten Commandments of God. 

J. I am the Lord thy God. Thou shalt not 
have strange gods before me ; thou shalt not 
make to thyself any graven thing to adore it. 

2o Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord 
thy God in vain. 

3. Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath 
day. 

4. Honor thy father and tny mother, that it 
may be well with thee and thou mayest live 
long upon the earth. 

"5. Thou shalt not kill. 

6. Thou shalt not commit adultery. 

7. Thou shalt not steal. 

8. Thou shalt not bear false witness against 
thy neighbor. 

9. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife. 

10. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, 
nor his field, nor his servant, nor his hand- 
maid, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything 
that is his. 



— VII — 
The Commandments of the Church* 

1. To observe the holy days of obligation. 

2. To devoutly hear Mass-on all Sundays and 
holy days of obligation. 

3. To observe the days of fast and abstinence 
appointed by^ the Church. 

4. To confess at least once a year to a duly 
authorized priest. 

5. To worthily receive the Holy Communion 
at Easter or thereabout and if possible in 
the Parish church. 

In the United States we also have the duty to contrib- 
ute to the support of our pastors. 

The Seven Sacraments, 1 

i) Baptism ; 2) Confirmation , 3) Holy Euchar- 
ist ; 4) Penance ; 5) Extreme Unction ; 6) Holy 
Orders ; 7) Matrimony. 

The Six Truths which every Catholic should 
know and helieve. 

i) That there is but one God m three Persons, 
the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost ; 

2) That God has created, preserves and gov- 
erns all things ; 

3) That the soul ot man is immortal ; 

4) That the Second Person of the Blessed 
Trinity became man and died on the cross 
for us ; 



— VIII — 

5) That no one can be saved without the grace 
of God ; 

6) That God will judge all men. 

Cbe Cbm Cbeolodical Uirtucs. 

Faith. O my God, 1 believe in Thee, and I 
firmly believe all Thou hast revealed and pro- 
posest throughThy holy Catholic Church for my 
belief ; because Thou, the Eternal and^Infal- 
lible Truth, hast said it. 

Hope. O my God, I hope in Thee, and I hope 
to obtain, through the merits of Jesus Christ, 
the remission of my sins. Thy grace and life 
everlasting ; because Thou, the Almighty, 
Merciful and Faithful God, hast promised it. 

Charity, O my God, 1 love Thee with my whole 
heart and above all things ; because Thou art 
my loving Father, the Supreme and most Am- 
iable Good. For Thy sake I also love my 
neighbor, friend or enemy, as myself. 

eontritiom 

O my God, I am sorry for all my sins from the 
bottom of my heart ; because I have offended 
Thee and have rightly deserved to be pun- 
ished by Thee ; but more so, because I have 
offended Thee, my loving Father and Greatest 
Benefactor, the Supreme and most Amiable 
Good, whom I now love above all things. I de- 
test all my sins; and I firmly resolve to amend 



_ IX - 

my life, never more to offend Thee by sin, and 
to avoid carefully the occasion of sin. Grant 
me Thy grace to do this. Amen. 
f 

The Angelus. 

i) The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary. 
And she conceived of the Holy Ghost. 
Hail Mary, etc. 

fl) Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it 
done unto me according to thy word. 
Hail Mary, etc. 

3) And the Word was made flesh. And dwelt 
among us. Hail Mary, etc. 
Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God ! 
That we may be made worthy of the 
promises of Christ. 

LET us PRAY. 

Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, thy grace 
into our hearts, that we, to whom the Incarna- 
tion of Christ Thy Son was made known by the 
message of an angel, may by His passion and 
cross be brought to the glory of His resurrec- 
tion ; through the same Christ our Lord. Ameri. 

For the souls of the Faithful Departed ! Our 
Father. Hail Mary. 

Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord ! And let 
perpetual light shine upon them ! May they 
rest in peace ! Amen. 



Cfte Rosarv- 

In the Name of the Father, etc. I believe in 

God, the Father, etc. 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to 

the Holy Ghost ! As it was in the beginning, 

is now, and ever shall be world without end. 

Amen. Our Father. 

Hail Mary. Jesus increase our faith. 

Hail Mary. Strengthen our hope. 

Hail Mary. Inflame our hearts with the fire 

of divine love. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. 

1. The Jojful Mysteries. 

1. Whom thou didst conceive of the Holy 
Ghost. 

2. Whom thou didst carry to St. Elizabeth. 

3. Who was born of thee at Bethlehem. 

4. Whom thou didst present in the temple. 

5. Whom thou didst find in the temple. 

2. The Sorrowful Mysteries. 

1. Who sweat blood for us. 

2. Who was scourged for us. 

3. Who was crowned with thorns for us. 

4. Who farried the heavy cross for us. 

5. Who was crucified for us 



' - XI — 

3. The Glorious Mysteries. 

1 . Who arose from the dead. 

2. Who ascended into heaven. 

3. Who sent down the Holy Ghost. 

4. Who assumed thee into heaven. 

5. "^^^ho crowned thee in Heaven. 

Prayer to m Bimea Uirdin adainst 
Ccmptations. 

Hail Mary, etc. 

O my Queen, O my Mother, to thee I offer 
myself without reserve ; and as a token of 
my devotion, I consecrate to thee this day 
my eyes, my ears, my tongue, my heart and my 
whole being. Since I belong to thee, O my 
good Mother, protect and defend me as thy own. 
My Mistress and my Mother, remember that 1 
belong to thee ; defend and protect me as thy 
own. 

The Memorare. 

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that 
never was it known that any one who fled to thy 
protection, implored thy help, and sought thy 
intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with 
this confidence I fly unto thee, O Virgin of Vir- 
gins, my Mother ! To thee I ^ome, before thee 



— xn — 

I stand sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the 
Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in 
thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen. 

The Salye Retina. 

Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our Life, 
our Sweetness and our Hope, to thee do we cry, 
poor banished children of Eve ; to thee do we 
send up our ^ighs, mourning and weeping in 
this valley of tears. Turn then., most gracious 
Advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us, and, 
after this our exile, show unto us the blessed 
fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O pious, 
O sweet Virgin Mary ! 

Prayer before Instruction in Cbristian Doctrine. 

Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of thy faith- 
ful and enkindle in them the fire of Thy love. 
Thou, who didst unite in one faith all nations 
and all tongues. O God, who by the light of the 
Holy Ghost didst instruct the hearts of the 
faithful, grant to us by this same Holy Spirit, 
a love and relish of what is right and just, and 
a constant enjoyment of His comforts, through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Prayer after instruction in Christian Doctrine. 

O God, whose mercy is infinite and whose love 
i§ inexhaustible, we thank Thee for the m- 



^ xm — 

struction which we have received through Thy 
grace. We beseech Thee to make us be ever 
mindful of the truths of our religion and faith- 
fully live up to them that we may obtain Thy 
eternal rewards, through Christ out Lord. 
Amen. 



Morning Prayers. 

In the name of the Father, etc. 
O God, I give Thee thanks for having so grac- 
iously preserved me this night from a sudden 
and unprovided-for death. Grant that I may 
never more offend Thee by sin. 

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, in union with the Im- 
maculate Heart of Mary, with all the Angels 
and Saints, and with Thy Holy Church, I offer 
up to Thee all my prayers, my actions, my 
sufferings, my thoughts and my desires of this 
day with that intention which Thou hast in con- 
tinually praying and offering Thyself for us, es- 
pecially for Thy Holy Church ; for the Pope, 
and for the conversion of heretics, infidels and 
sinners. 

O Most Blessed Virgin Mary, show thyself a 
loving mother to me this day and every day t)f 
my life, and obtain for me the grace of perse- 
verance ! Holy Angel Guardian, assist me in 
all my necessities ; enlighten, govern and pro- 
tect me.' And thou, my Patron Saint, be my 
^dvogat^ with God^ th^t I may imitate thy vir^ 



— XIV — 

tues here below and be united to thee in ever- 
lasting glory. Amen. 

I desire this day to gain all the indulgences 
which it is possible for me to gain. Our Father, 
etc. Hail Mary, etc. I believe in God^ etc. 

Evening Prayers. 

In the Name of the Father, etc. 

Save us, O Lord, when awake, and watch over 
us when asleep, that we may watch with Christ 
and rest in comfort. 

Merciful God, I thank Thee for all the gifts of 
body and soul Thou hast this day bestowed up- 
on me ; protect me this night in Thy infinite 
Mercy from all the snares of the devil, from all 
evils of body and soul, especially from a sudden 
and unforeseen death. Amen. 

(Here make a short examination of conscience, to find 
out the sins you have committed during the day ; then 
make an Act of Contrition. 

O my God, I am, etc. (Page VIII.) 

In the name of my Crucified Redeemer I go to 
rest. May He protect me now and ever, and 
lead me to everlasting life. Amen. 

We fly to thy patronage, O holy Mother of God. 
Despise not our petitions in our necessities, but 



— XT — 

deliver us from all dangers, O ever glorious and 
blessed Virgin, 

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I give you my heart, 
and my squI ! 

Jesus. Mary and Joseph, assist me in my last 
agony \ 

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, may I breathe forth 
my soul in peace with you ! 

O angel of God, whom God hath appointed to 
be my guardian, enlighten, protect, direct 
and govern me. 

Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. I believe 
in God, etc. 

When taking Holy Water say : 

May the almighty and merciful God, the Father, 
the Son and the Holy Ghost bless me. Amen. 



Grace before and after meals. 

Before Meals. 

In the Name, etc. 

The eyes of all hope in Thee, O Lord, and thou 
givest them meat in due season. Thou openest 
Thy hand, and lillest with blessing every living 
creature. (Ps. 144, 15, 16.) Glory be to the 
Father, etc. Lord have mercy on us ! Christ, 



— XVI — 

have mercy on us ! Lord, have mercy on us ! 
Our Father. Hail Mary. 

Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts, which 
we are about to receive from Thy bounty, 
through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

* After Meals. 

In the name of the Father, etc. 
We give Thee thanks, O Lord, Heavenly 
Father, for all Thy benefits, which we have 
received from Thy bounty, who livest and 
reignest world without end. Amen. 

Glory be to the Father, etc. Lord, have mercy 
on us ! Christ, have mercy on us ! Lord, have 
mercy on us ! Our Father. Hail Mary. 

Vouchsafe, O Lord, for Thy name^s sake, to 
reward with eternal life all those who do us 
good. Amen. 

May the souls of the faithful departed, through 
the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen, 



xvn 



Devotions for Confession. 



Prayer to the Holy Ghost 

My God and most merciful Father, I come to 
Thee with the sincere desire to make a good 
confession, that Thou mayest receive me again 
as Thy beloved child. But since I am uilable 
to do anything without Thy divine help, I 
earnestly beseech Thee to have pity on me, and 
to send the Holy Ghost with His assisting 
grace into my poor heart. 

Come, Holy Ghost, elighten my mind, that I 
may clearly know my sins ; move my heart, that 
I may repent of them, sincerely confess them, 
and amend my life. Our Father, etc. Hail 
Mary, etc. 

Examination of Conscience. 

Reflect seriously and ask yourself : When did I make 
my last confession ? Was this confession a worthy 
one ? Did I perhaps wilfully omit a mortal sin ? Did 
I perform the penance ? 

The following are the sins wiiich children might 
easily commit ; think seriously wliich of them you 
have committed, not only of mortal sins but also of 
venial. Should you have committed mortal sins, 
you must also ask yourself, how often you have 
coninaitted them. 



— XVIII — 

Agi^inst the First Commandment of God. 

Have I often neglected to say my morning or 
evening prayers, or grace before and after 
meals ? 

Have I said my prayers without devotion or have 
I misbehaved in church ? 

Have I neglected to study my catechism, be- 
cause I was too lazy ? 

Have I been ashamed of my religion ? 

Have I attended Protestant services? 

Against the Second Commandment of God. 

Have I used the name of God or other holy 

names irreverently ? 
Have I cursed ? 
Have I sworn thoughtlessly ? 
Have I mocked holy things ? 

Against the Third Commandment of God. 

Have I, through my own fault, missed Mass on 
Sundays or holy days of obligation ? 

Have I been late for Mass on these days through 
my own fault ? Was it very late ? Have I 
been wilfully distracted during Mass? 

Have I, without necessity, performed servile 
works on Sundays and holy days? 

Have I neglected to attend catechism ? 

Against the Fourth Commandment of God. 

Have I been disobedient to my parents ? 
Have I been rude and obstinate with my par- 
ents ? 



— XIX — 

Have I grieved or provoked my parents? 

Have I neglected to pray for my parents? 

Have I wished them evil ? 

Have I raised my hand against them ? 

Have I ridiculed aged persons? 

Have I been lazy or inattentive at school ? 

Have I been absent from schqol through my own 
fault ? 

Have I been disobedient or impudent to my 
teacher ? 

Have I intentionally eaten meat on days of 
abstinence ? 

Have I in any other way transgressed the com- 
mandments of the Church ? 

Against the Fifth Coinmandinent of God. 

Have I quarreled with my brothers and sisters 

or with others ? 
Have I given them nicknames or struck them 

or wnshed them evil ? 
Have I envied or begrudged others? 
Have I been angry ? 
Have I been unkind to others ? 
Have I hated others ? 

Have I been intemperate in eating or drinking ? 
Have I led others into sin ? Into what sin ? 

Against the Sixth and Nintli Commandments 
of God. 

Have I wilfully entertained impure thoughts ? 
Have I taken pleasure in them ? 
Have I desired to see or to do immodest 
things ? 



— XX — 

Have I wilfully looked at immodest things ? 
Have I listened with pleasure to immodest 

language ? 
Have I read or spoken of immodest things or 

sung immodest songs ? 
Have I done or permitted immodest things ? 

Alone or with others ? 

Against the Seyenth and Tenth Commandments 
of God. 

Have I desired to steal ? 

Have I secretly taken eatables ? 

Have I stolen ? What ? Was it of great value ? 

Have I stolen anything from my parents ? 

What ? 
Have I accepted stolen things ? 
Have I failed to return found or borrowed 

things ? 
Have I injured my neighbor's property ? 

Against the Eighth Commandment of God. 

Have 1 told lies? Have I injured others by 

these lies ? Did I act as a hypocrite ? 
Have I made known the hidden faults of 

others without necessity or exaggerated 

them ? 
Have I spoken evil of others which was not 

true ? 

gontrltlon ana Tirtii Vurpm of flnicndnient 

O Heavenly Father ! Alas, how often have I 
sinned ! I am not worthy to be called Thy child. 
The angels who sinned,"^ Thou didst condemn 



XXI — 

at once, but me, Thou didst still spare. Adam 
and Eve Thou didst banish from Paradise im- 
mediately after their fall; yet Thou didst bear 
with me. So many have been cast into hell, 
others have been condemned to everlasting 
and terrible sufferings in purgatory, and still 
I have been spared. How grateful should I 
have been and what ingratitude have I not 
shown ! I have been unmindful of the benefits 
Thou hast bestowed upon me. Thou hast cre- 
ated me for Heaven, and I have cared little 
or nothing for it. Thy only begotten Son has 
redeemed me through His bitter Passion and 
Death, and for love of me He shed even 
the last drop of His blood. But by my sins I 
have been most ungrateful and unfaithful to 
■Hmi, and I have thereby even renewed His 
JPassion. Forgive me, O God ! I acknowl- 
edge that I have done wrong ; I am heartily 
sorry that I have not loved Thee, that I have 
despised and grievously offended Thee. I am 
now determined to earnestly amend my life. 

O my God, I am sorry, etc. (Page VHI.) 

If, by tlie help of God's grace, you have avoided mortal 
sins, then make an act of contrition and a firm purpose of 
amendment of at least some one or other venial sin. If 
you must wait some time until you have a chance to go to 
confession, then pray the Rosary or any other prayers, 
but do not disturb others by whispering or restlessness. 



— XXII — 

Prayer after Conf esslom 

O my God, how great is Thy love and goodness ! 
By the words of the priest Thou hast pardoned 
my sins. I am again Thy child. Thanks and 
praise to Thee for Thy great mercy ! I will 
never forget this grace^ and I will gratefully 
strive to avoid carefully sin and the occasions 
of sin. Bless, O God, this my resolution, and 
give me strength that I may not falter. For 
this I beseech Thee through the merits of Jesus 
Christ, Who redeemed me by His precious 
Blood and cleansed me from my sins. Amen. 

Holy Mary, Mother of God, assist me that I 
may never again lose the grace of God ! Holy 
Angel Guardian, forsake me not. Amen. 

Now say, if possible, the penance given by the priest 
Never forget the great grace which God has given yon, 
by forgiving your sins. 





CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE. 



INTRODUCTION. 

Why are we in this world ? 

We are in this world, that we might know God, 
love Him, serve Him and thereby gain Heaven. 

Can we do this hy our own power ? 

No ; we need the assistance of Divine Grace. 

What must we do, that we might know (rod, 
love Him, serve Him and he saved 1 
We must : 

1) Believe whatsoever God has revealed ; 

2) Keep all the commandments we are com- 
manded by God to observe ; 

3) Make use of the means of grace which God 
has given to us for our salvation. 

How shall we learn to know these three things 
thoroughly ? 

By studying the Christian Doctrine. 



— 2 — 



PAKT I. 

FAITH. 

1. What must we belieye ? 

We must believe all that God has revealed. 

2. Who teaches us, what God has revealed % 

The Catholic Church. 

3. By what sign does a Catholic generally pro- 
fess his faith ? 

By the sign of the Cross. 

THE APOSTLES' CREED. 

4. Where do we learn the chief things which 
all sliould know and helieve % 

hi the twelve articles of the Apostles' Creed. 

5. Why is it called Apostolic ? 

Because it has come down to us from the Apos 
ties. 

6. Say the Apostles' Creed. 

I believe in God, etc. (See Page V.) 



THE FIRST ARTICLE OF THE GREED. 

\ believe in God the Father Almighty^ Creatoi 
of Heaven and earth/^ 
§ 1. On God. 

7. Who is God? 

God is the Lord of Heaven and earth, the Au- 
thor of all good. 

*8. Can we see God ? 

Xo ; we cannot see God with our bodily eyes, 
because He is a Spirit. 

9. What do we mean hy " God is eternal " ? 

By " God is eternal ^' we mean, that He is ever 
existing, without beginning or end. 

God is and will forever be 
The same throughout eternity. 

10. What does " God is omnipresent " mean % 

" God is omnipresent " means, that He is every- 
where — in Heaven, on earth and in all places. 

11. What does " God is all-knowing " mean ? 

'• God is all-knowing ** means, that He knows 
all things, even our most secret thoughts. 

Where'er I am, and what I do, 
I'm seen by God my Father too. 

12. What is meant by " God is almighty " ? 

" God is almighty ^^ means, that He can do every- 
thing He wishes. 

13. What does "God is Holy " mean ? 

•' God is Holy " means, that He loves and wills 
only what is good and hates what is evil. 



— 4 — 

14. What is meant by " God is just *'-? 

" God is just " means, that He rewards the 
good and punishes the wicked. 

15. What is meant by " Ood is good " ? 

" God is good " means, that He loves His creat- 
ures and bestows numberless blessings upon 
them. 

16. What does " God is merciful " mean ? 

" God is merciful " means, that He willingly 
pardons all penitent sinners. 

§ 2. The Three Divine Persons. 

17. How many persons are there in God ? 

There are three persons in God : the Father, 
the Son and the Holy Ghost. 

18. Is eaeli of these three persons God ? 

Yes ; the Father is true God, the Son is true 
God and the Holy Ghost is true God. 

19. Is there only one God ? 

Yes ; the three persons are but one God. 

20. What do we call the mystery of one God in 
three persons ? 

Tlie mystery of the Most Holy Trinity. (Feasi 

of the Holy Trinity.) 

Praised be now and evermore 
The Triune God. Whom we adore. 



— 5 — 

§ 3. God, Creator of- Heaven and Earth. 
r. The Creation and Government of the World, 

21. Why do we call God" Creator ofHeayen 

and earth " % 

Because God created the whole world, Heaven 
and earth. 

22. What does " to create " mean ? 

" To create ^' means, to make something out of 
nothing. 

23; How did God create the world % 
By His almighty will. 

24. Does God always care for the world % 

Yes ; God preserves and governs the world. 

25. How does God preserve the world % 
He causes the world to continue. 

26. How does God govern the world % 

He takes care of everything, He regulates and 
conducts all things. 

2. The Angels. 

27. Did God create anything else, hesides the 
visihle world % 

God also created an invisible world, namely, 
numberless spirits, called Angels. 

28. How were the Angels created hy God ? 

They were all good and happy. 



— 6 — 

2V>. Did all the Angels remain good and happy ? 

No ; many sinned and were cast into hell. 
These are called devils or evil spirits. 

30. How do the g-ood Angels act towards us 2 

The good Angels love us ; therefore they pro- 
tect us from harm in l:ody and soul^ P^'^.y. for 
us and exhort us to do good. 

31. What do we call the Angel who is given to 
us hy Grod for our special protection ? 

We call him our Guardian Angel. 

32. What is our duty towards our Gruardian 
Angel ? 

We should remember and reverence his pres- 
ence, devoutly pray to him and cheerfully follow 
his inspirations. ( Feast of the holy Guardian 
Angel.) 

3. Our First Parents^ 

33. Which is the chief creature on earth % 

Man is the chief creature on earth. 

34. What are the names of the first human bi - 
ings Grod created % 

The first human beings were Adam and Eve. 

35. How did Ood make Adam % 

God formed a body from the slime of the earth 
and breathed an immortal soul into it. 



— 7 — 

36. HoTT did God make Eve ? 

From a rib, taken out of Adam. 

37. How did God, in creating man, raise him 
above other creatures ? 

He created him to His own image and likeness. 

38. Where did the first human being:s live ? 

They lived happy in Paradise and were not sub- 
ject to death. 

39. Did our first parents remain good and 
happy ? 

Xo ; they committed sin and were cast out of 
Paradise. 

40. What sin did they commit ? 

They wished to be like God and ate of the for- 
bidden fruit. 

41. Has the first man by sinning done liarm 
only to himself ? 

No ; he also plunged the whole human race into 
the greatest misery. 

42o In what does this misery consist ? 

It consists in this, that the sin with its evil con- 
sequences has passed unto all mankind. 

43. What do we call the sin in which we are 
all born ? 

We call it original sin. 

44. Who alone of all mankind did not inherit 
this sin ? 

The Blessed Virgin Mary. (Feast of the Immac- 
ulate Conception.) 



— 8 — 

45. Whai would have been man's destiny, if 
God hdd not shown him mercy ? 

]So man conla liave been saved. 

46. How did fiod show mercy to man 2 

He promised him a Redeemer. 

47. To whom did God first promise a Re- 
deemer 2 

To our first parents, immediately after their 

fall. 

48. How long did it last before the promised 
Redeemer came ? 

About four thousand years. (Advent.) 

THE SECOND ARTICLE OF THE CREED. 

^' And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord." 

49. Who is the promised Redeemer ? 

The promised Redeemer is Jesus Christ, the 
only Son of God, our Lord. 

50. IVhat does the name " Jesus " m^an ? 
The name ^^Jesus " means Saviour or Redeemer. 

*51. What does the word " Christ "mean ? 

The word '' Christ" (Messias) means the An- 
ointed. 

52. Why is Jesus Christ called our Lord ? 

Because He is our God and our Saviour. 



— 9 — 

TEE THIRD ARTICLE OF THE CREED. 

" Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born 
of tlie Virgin Mary/' 

53. What does the Third Article of the Creed 
teach us ? 

The Third Article of the Creed teaches us, that 
the Son of God became man — that is, He took 
to Himself a human body and a human soul. 

54. What do we believe concerning Jesus 
Christ ? 

We believe that Jesus Christ is both true .JJod 
and true Man. ( God-Man.) 

5^. W!io was the Mother of Jesus Christ i 
Mary, the purest of Virgins. 

56. Who was St. Joseph ? 

St. Joseph was the foster-father of Jesus Christ. 

57. Where was Jesus Christ horn ? 

In a stable at Bethlehem. (Feast of Christmas.) 

58. Who came first to adore the Infant Jesus % 

Pious shepherds from the neighborhood came 
first, and then the Magi from the East. (Feast 
of the Epiphany or the three Holy Kings.) 

59. Where did Jesus spend the greatest part oi 
His youth ? 

He lived a hidden life at Nazareth and was 
subject to His parents ; when twelve years of 
age, He went with His parents to Jerusalem 
for the Easter festival. 



— 10 — 

*60. What did Jesus do at the age of thirty 

years ? 
At the age of thirty years Jesus was baptized 
by St. John ; He tlien retired into the desert, 
where He fasted forty days and forty nights, 
and then was tempted by the devil. 

*61. What did He do, after He had left the 

desert ? 
He began to teach in public, to work miracles, 
and gather around Him disciples. 

\THE FO URTH ARTICLE OF THE CREED. 

'^ Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, 
died and was buried/^ 

62. What did Jesus Christ suffer ? 

His sufferings during His whole life cannot be 
described ; at last He sweat blood in the Garden 
of Olives ; He was seized, mocked, spit upon, 
scourged, crowned with thorns and finally 
nailed to the cross. 

63. Who condemned Christ to death ? 
The Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate. 

64. Where was He crucified ? 

On Mount Calvary, near Jerusalem. 

Q^. How lon^ did Jesus suffer on the cross ? 
For three hours Jesus suffered the most terrible 
pains of body and soul on the cross ; finally He 
bowed His head and died. 



— 11 — 

*66. What miracles took place at the death oi 
Jesus ? 

The sun was darkened, the veil of the temple 
wa^ rent in two, the earth trembled, rocks split 
asunder, graves opened and many of the dead 
arose. 

67. Was Christ compelled to suffer death ? 

No ; Christ suffered death willingly, out of 
infinite love for us. 

68. Why did Christ wish to suffer and to die ? 

Christ wished to suffer and to die, in order to 
redeem us from sin and eternal damnation. 

69. What was done with the dead body of 

Jesus ? 
The dead body of Jesus was laid in a tomb. 

THE FIFTH ARTICLE OF THE CREED. 

'^ He descended into hell, the third day He rose 
again from the dead.^^ 

70. What is meant hy the words : " He de- 
scended into hell ? 

These words mean, that the soul of Christ, after 
His death, descended into Limbo, i, e., to the 
place where the souls of the just were, who had 
died before Christ. 

*71. Why were the souls of the just, who had 

died before Christ, in Limbo ? 
Because Heaven was closed through sin and was 
first to be re-opened by Christ. 



— 12 — 

72. What do the words, "the third day He rose 
a^ain from the dead," teach us ? 

They teach us, that the soul of Christ on the 
third day was reunited to His body, and that 
Jesus rose gloriously from the tomb. (Easter 
Sunday.) 

73. How long" did Jesus remain on earth after 
His resurrection ? 

He remained forty days on earth. 

THE SIXTH ARTICLE OF THE GREED. 

^' He ascended into Pleaven, sitteth at the right 
hand of God, the Father Almighty. ^^ 

74. What do the words : " He ascended into 
Heayen," teach us % 

They teach us, that Jesus Christ with body and 
soul went up into Heayen. (Ascension Day.) 

*75. Did Christ ascend alone into Heayen ? 

No ; Christ took with Him into Heayen the 
souls of the just, whom He had set free from 
Limbo. 

76. From what place did Christ ascend into 
Heayen ? 

From Mount Oliyet, where He began His 
Passion. 



— 13 — 

-^77. What is meant hj the words : " Sitteth at 
the right hand of God ? 

They mean that Christ, even as man, shares in 
the power and glory of the Divine Majesty. 

THE SEVENTH ARTICLE OF THE CREED. 

'^ From thence He shall come to judge the living 
and the dead/^ 

78. What does the seventh article of the Creed 
teach us 2 

It teaches us, that Jesus Christ at the end of the 
world shall come again with great power and 
majesty. 

79. Why shall Jesus come again % 

To judge all men, both the good and the wicked. 

*80. What do we call this judgment at the 
end of the world 1 

The last or General Judgment, because on the 
last day, all men shall be brought together and 
judged. (Judgment of the world.) 

*81. What sentence will the Divine Judge pro- 
nounce I 

1) He will say to the just : *' Come, ye blessed 
of My Father, possess the Kingdom, pre- 
pared for you from the foundation of the 
world '^; 

2) To the wicked He will say : '' Depart from 
Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, which 
was prepared for the devil and his angels.^' 



— 14 — 

82. What will happen, after the sentence shall 
have been pronounced ? 

The wicked shall be cast into hell, whilst the 
just will enter into Heaven. 

THE EIGHTH ARTICLE OF THE CREED. 
" I believe in the Holy Ghost.'' 

83. Who is the Holy Ghost 2 

The Holy Ghost is the Third Person of the 
Blessed Trinity, true God, like the Father and 
the Son. 

84. When was the Holy Ghost sent down upon 
the Church 2 

On Whit Sunday, when He came down upon 
the Apostles in trie form of fiery tongues. 
(Pentecost.) 

*85. What graces does the Holy Ghost impart 

to the Catholic Church ? 
He teaches, sanctifies and rules the Church in 
an invisible manner unto the end of the world. 

*86. What graces does the Holy Grhost impart 
to our soul ? 

He enlightens, sanctifies, strengthens and con- 
soles our soul. 

87. How long does the Holy Ohost remain with 
the soul ? 
The Holy Ghost remains with the soul, as long 
as we are free from mortal sin. 



— 15 — 

THE NINTH ARTICLE OF THE CREED. 

'* The Holy Catholic Church, the CommunioD of 
Saints." 

§ 1. Meaning a:n^d Orga:n^ization OF THE 
Church. 

88. What is the Church ? 

The Church is the visible society of all the faith- 
ful on earth, prof essing the true Faith under one 
visible Head. 

89. Who founded the Church ? 

Christ Himself founded the Church. 

90. Whom did Christ appoint to he the pastors 
of His Church ? 

Christ appointed the Apostles to be the pastors 
of His Church. 

91. Whom did Christ appoint to be the su- 
preme Pastor of the Church ? 

Christ appointed St. Peter to be the supreme 
Pastor or supreme Head of the Church. 

92. Who is the supreme Head of the Church 
since the death of St. Peter ? 

The supreme Head of the Church is the Holy 
Father, the Pope. 

93. Who are the successors of the Apostles % 

The Bishops of the Catholic Church. 

*94. Who are the assistants of the Bishops ? 

The Priests, subject to them. 



— 16 — 

§ 2. Marks of the Church. 

95. Did Christ estaMish more than one 
Church 2 

Christ established only one Church. 

96. Is it easy to know this one Church estab- 
lished hy Christ 2 

Yes, for Christ has established a visible Churchy 
which may be known by certain marks. 

97. Which are these marks ? 

The true Church of Christ is : 1) One, 2) Holy, 
3) Catholic (^. 6., universal), 4) Apostolic. 

98. Which Churcli has these four marks 1 

Only the Roman Catholic Church, or that 
Church, which acknowledges the Pope of Rome 
as its head, has these four marks. 

§ 3. Missioisr OF THE Church. 

99. Why did Christ establish the Church ? 

Christ established the Church, to bring through 
its ministry all men to eternal salvation. 

100. What means did Christ proyide, to 

enable the Church to bring all men to 

eternal salyation ? 
Christ instituted in His Church the office of 
teacher, of priest and of shepherd. 

*101. What g-ift has the Church received as a 
teaching" authority ? 

The Church as a teaching authority, has 
received the gift of infallibility. 



— 17 — 

§ 4. " The Communion of Saints/^ 

102. How do we commune with the Saints in 
Heaven ? 

We venerate the Saints and pray to them, 
rhey in turn help us by their powerful inter- 
cession with God. (All Saints' Day.) 

103. How are we in communion with the souls 
in Purgatory ? 

We assist them by our prayers and other good 
works, especially by the Holv Sacrifice of the 
Mass. (All Souls' Day.) 

104. How are we, the faithful on earth, in 
communion with one another I 

We participate in all the Masses, prayers and 
other good works of the whole Catholic Church. 

THE TENTH ABTICLE OF THE CBEED. 
" The Forgiveness of Sins.^' 

105. What does the tenth article of the Creed 
teach i 

It teaches, that in the Catholic Church, we can 
obtain forgiveness of all sins and of the pun- 
ishment due to them. 

106. What salutary means did Christ appoint 
for the forgiveness of sins 1 

The holy Sacraments of Baptism and Penance. 



— 18 — 

THE ELEVENTH ARTICLE OF THE CREED, 

" The Resurrection of the -Body/' 
107. What happens in man at the moment of 
his death 1 
At the moment of death, man's soul separates 
itself from his body, and the body is returned to 
the earth. 
*108. How lon^ shall the hody remain in the 

earth 1 
The body shall remain ir. Jie earth till the day 
of the last judgment^ y. !:on God will raise it 
again to life and reunite it to the soul forever. 

109. Shall all men rise again 2 
All men, whether good or wicked, shall rise again. 
*1 lOo Will the risen bodies he all alike ? 
The bodies ot Lhe wicked shall be wretched and 
hideous, while the bodies of the good shall be 
glorious. 

THE TWELFTH ARTICLE OF THE CREED. 
" And Life Everlasting. Amen.^^ 

111. What happens to the soul, when it has 
separated from the hody ? 

It appears at once before the judgment-seat of 
God. 

112. What do we call this judgment 1 
We call it the Particular Judgment. 

*113. What are the things of which the soul 

shall he judged ? 
The soul shall be judged of all its thoughts, 
words, actions and omissions. 



- 19 — 

114. Whither does the soul go immediately 
after the Particular Judgment ? 

The soul goes either to Heaven, to Hell or to 
Purgatory. 

*115. What souls go to Purgatory ? 

The souls of the just, who have departed this 
life in the state of venial sin or have yet to ex- 
piate the temporal punishment due to their sins. 

*1 16. Will Purgatory remain in existence after 
the General Judgment 1 

No ; after the General Judgment only Heaven 
and Hell shall remain. 

*117. What souls will he cast into Hell 2 

The souls of those, who die in the state of 
mortal sin. 

*118. What souls will go to Heaven ? 

The souls of those who die in the friendship of 
God and are free from all sins and all punish- 
ment due to sin. 

119. Which are the four last ends of man ? 

The four last ends of man are : Death, Judg- 
ment, Heaven and Hell. 

'•In all thy works remember thy last ends, and 
thou Shalt never sin." 



— 20 — 



PART II. 

THE COMMANDMENTS. 

1. Is it sufficient, to l)elieye wliat God has re- 
yealed ? 

No ; we must also keep the Commandments. 

THE CHIEF COMMANDMENT 

2. Whicli is tlie cliief Commandment contain- 
ing all the others ? 

The Commandment of the love of God and the 
love of onr neighbor. 

§ 1. The Love of God. 

3. What are we commanded hy the Command- 
ment of the love of God ? 

We are thereby commanded to love God above 
all things. 

4. How do we know, that we lore God ? 

If we do what is pleasing to Him ; ^. 6. , if we 
keep His Commandments. 



— 21 -^ 

5. Why should we love God ? 

We should love God : 

1) Because He is the supreme and most perfect 
Good. 

2) Because He has loved us from all eternity, 
and has destined us for eternal salvation. 

3) Because He has blessed us beyond measure m 
our body and soul, and daily continues to do so. 

§ 2. The Love of Our Neighbor. 

6. What are we commanded hy the Command- 
ment of the love of our neighbor ? 

By this Commandment we are commanded, to 
love our neighbor as ourselves. 

7. Who is our neighbor ? 
Every one is our neighbor. 

*8. Why should we love our neighbor 2 

We should love our neighbor, because all men are 
made to the likeness of God, have been redeemed 
by Christ's Precious Blood, and are called to 
eternal salvation. 

** What e'er you'd hate, to have done to you, 
Avoid to do, to others, too." 

§ 3. Christiax Love of One's Self. 

9. May a Christian love himself ? 

Yes ; he may and even should love himself. 
*10. When do we love ourselves 2 

We love ourselves when above all, we are solici- 
tous for the salvation of our soul. 



— 22 — 
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF GOD. 

11. Where shall we find the chief Command- 
ment more fully explained ? 

In the Ten Commandments, which God gave to 
the Israelites on Mount Sinai. 

12. Say the Ten Commandments of God. 

1) I am the Lord thy God, etc. (See Prayers, 
page VL) 

*13. Which of the Commandments treat of the 
lore of Grod, and which of the love of our 
neighbor ? 

The first three Commandments treat of the love 
of God ; the other seven, of the love of our neigh- 
bor. 

THE FIB8T COMMANDMENT OF GOD. 

" I am the Lord thy God. Thou shalt not have 

strange gods before me ; thou shalt not make to 

thyself any graven thing to adore it." 

14. What are we commanded hy the First Com- 
mandment 1 

It commands to give to God the honor due to 
Him. 

15. How many kinds of worship do we owe 
God? 

Two kinds : internal and external worship. 



— 23 — 

*16. How do we worship Ood internaUy 2 

We worship God internally : 

1) By believing in Him, hoping in Him and lov- 
ing Him, above all things ; 

2) By adoring Him, thanking Him, and by hum- 
bly resigning ourselves to His Holy Will. 

*17. How do we worship God externally ? 

We worship God externally, by praying in com- 
mon, by genuflecting, by folding our hands, etc, 

THE FIRST COMMANDMENT* OF GOD,— Con. 
The Veneration and Invocation of the Saints 

*18. What does the Catholic Church teach, in 
regard to the veneration and invocation of 
the Saints ? 

The Catholic Church teaches, that it is a good 
and pious practice to honor the Saints and pray 
to them. 

19. Of all Saints, whom should we especially 
tenerate and invoke ! 

Marv, the most Blessed Virgin and Mother of 
God: 

*20. What should accompany our veneration of 
the Saints 2 

The imitation of their virtues. 

THE SECOND COMMANDMENT OF GOD. 

'^ Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord^ thy 
God^ in vain.^^ 

21. What does the Second Commandment for- 
bid ? 

It forbids all profanation of God's Holy Name. 



— 24 — 

*22. How is the name of God profaned ? 

The Name of God is profaned : 

1) By being used irreverently ; 

2) By cursing and sinful swearing. 

THE THIRD COMMANDME^'T OF GOD, 

^' Remember, that thou keep holy the Sabbath 
day.'^ 

23. What are we commanded hy the Third 
Commandment ? 

We are commanded, to sanctify the Lord's Day 
by performing pious wo As and abstaining from 
servile labors. 

24. What day is the Lord's Day ? 

In the Old Testament it was the Sabbath ; in 
the New Testament it is Sunday, 

25. What are we expressly commanded to do on 
Sunday ? 

1) To hear Mass ; 

2) To rest from servile work. 

26. What other pious works help us to sanctify 
Sunday ? 

The hearing of Sermons and instructions in 
Christian Doctrine. 

*27. What are servile works ? 

Servile works are bodily labors usually per- 
formed by serr^nts^ laborers, and tradesmen. 

On Sunday rest and gladly pray, 
For Sunday is the good Lord's Day.. 



-^ 25 — 

THE FO URTH COMMANDMENT OF GOD. 

'' Honor thy Fatlier and thy Mother, that it may 
be well with thee, and thou raayest live long on 
the earth /^ 

28. What are we eoiiimanded by the Fourth 
Commandment 1 

\Ve are commanded to show reverence, love 
and obedience to our parents and superiors. 

29. Why should children show reverence, love 
and obedience to their parents? 

Because the parents caring for them : 

1) Hold the place of God ; 

2) Are next to God their greatest benefactors. 

30. How do children sin against their parents ? 

They sin against their parents : 

1) By treating them harshly or insultingly ; 

2) By grieving and provoking them ; 

3) By obeying reluctantly or refusing to obey. 

31. What reward may those children expect, 
who faithfully observe the Fourth Com- 
mandment 2 

God^s blessing and protection in this life and 
eternal happiness in the life to come. 

The child who does its parents love 
Obtains God's blessings from above. 



— 26 — 

*32. What are tlie duties of young persons 
towards the aj^ed ? 

Young persons ought to respect the aged. 

THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT OF GOD. 

''Thou Shalt not kill/' 

83. What does God forbid hy the Fifth Com- 
mandment ? 

God forbids all sins, by which we injure our 
neighbor or ourselves in body and soul. 

34. How do we injure our neighbor bodily ? 

When we kill, strike or wound him unjustly. 

35. Does the Fifth Commandment forbid only 
violent actions against the life of our 
neighbor ? 

It forbids also all sins which lead to such actions, 
namely^ anger, hatred, envy, quarrels and in- 
sulting language. 

36. How may we sin by injuring ourselves 
bodily ? 

By needlessly exposing our life or health to 
danger. 

37. How do we injure our neighbor spiritually ? 

By leading him into sin. 



- 27 — 

THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT OF GOD. 
'*Thou shalt not commit adultery/' 

38. What does the Sixth Coiumaiidment forbid ? 

If forbids : 

1) All sins against purity ; 

2) All that leads to impurity. 

*39. Why ou^ht we most carefully guard 
against impurity ? 

Because no sin is more shameful or followed by 
more dreadful results. 

*40. What should we do, if we doubt whether 
anything is a sin against purity or not ? 

We ought to consult our confessor. 

41. What are we commanded by the Sixth Com- 
mandment ? 

We are commanded to be modest and chaste in 
all our thoughts, looks, words and actions. 

THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT OF GOD. 

^•' Thou slialt not steal. '^ 

42. What does the Seventh Commandment for- 
bid I 

It forbids us to injure our neighbor's property^ 
by theft, cheating or any other unjust way. 



— 28 — 

43. Who is guilty of theft ? 

He who secretly appropriates to himself, what 
belongs to another. 

With trifles, thieves begin 
And end in a greater sin. 

44. What sin is to be regarded the same as 

stealing ? 
To take stolen goods or keep lost things from 
their owners. 

*45. In what other ways, may we sin against 
the Seventh Commandment ? 

By injuring our neighbor's property through 
malice or carelessness. 

*46. What must tliey do, who have in their pos- 
session ill-gotten goods, or who have un- 
justly injured their neighbor ? 

They are bound to restore the ill-gotten goods, 

and as well as they can to repair the injury 

done. 

IlUgotten gain 
Brings us pain. 

THE EIGHTH COMMANDMENT OF GOD. 

^' Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy 
neighbor." 

47. What sins are forbidden by the Eighth 

Commandment ? 

1) Lies and hypocrisy ; 

2) Detraction and slander. 



— 29 — 

48. What is a lie 2 

A lie is an untruth, knowingly and wilfully told, 

*4:9. How do we commit the sin of hypocrisy ? 

We commit the sin of hypocrisy, when we 
assume the appearance of virtue and piety, 
which we really do not possess. 

*50. How do we commit the sin of detraction ? 

We commit the sin of detraction when, without 
just cause, we make known the faults of others. 

*5 1 . What is calumny ? 

Calumny consists in imputing to our neighbor 
defects, which he has not, or in exaggerating 
the faults he has committed. 

THE NINTH AND TENTH COMMANDMENTS 
OF GOD, 

'' Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife. ^^ 
^* Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods, 
etc.'' 

52. What does the Ninth Commandment for- 
bid 2 

It forbids all unchaste thoughts and desires. 

*53. Are unchaste thoughts and desires always 
sinful ? 

As long as they are displeasing to us and we 
try to banish them from our mind, they are not 
?inful. 



— so — 

54. What Jloes tiie Ten Jh Commandment forbid 2 

It forbids us to desire the property of others 
unjustly. 

THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE CHURCH 

55, Are we bound to keep any other command- 
ments besides the Commandments of God ? 
We must also keep the Commandments of the 
Church. 

50. Which are the Commandments of the 
Church 2 
1) To observe, etc. (See Prayex's, page YII.) 

THE FIBSTAND SECOND COMMANDMENTS OF 
THE CHURCH. 

57. What are we commanded by die First Com^ 
mandment of the Church % 

We are commanded to observe liks Sunday, the 
holy days of obligation. 

^^. What are we commanded by tiie Second 
Commandment of the Church % 

We are commanded to hear Mass with, due 
devotion on all Sundays and holy-days of obli- 
gation. 

*59. Who are bound to hear Mass on Sunda/^ 
and holy-days of obligation ? 

It is a strict obligation for all the faithful who 
have attained the age of reason^ unless they 
are excused for some o'ood cause. 



— 31 — 

*00. How may we sin ag'ainst the Second Com- 
mandment of the Chnreh ? 

We sin against it : 

I) By missing Mass entirely or a part thereof. 

through our own neglect ; 
3) By misbehaving during Mass. 

THE THIRD COMMANDMENT OF THE CHURCH, 

61. What are we commanded by the Third 
Commandment of the Church ? 

We are commanded to observe the appointed 
days of fast and abstinence. 

*62. Who are hound to fast ? 

All the faithful, who have reached the age of 
twenty-one years, unless they be excused for 
a just cause. 

63. Who are hound to abstain from iiesh meat ? 

All the faithful, who have completed their 
seventh year, unless they be excused for a just 
cause, such as sickness, poverty, etc. 

THE FOURTH AND FIFTH COMMANDMENTS 
OF THE CHURCH 

*64. What are we commanded by the Fourth 
and Fifth Commandments of the Church 2 

We are commanded : 

1) To confess our sins at least once a year to 
a duly authorized priest ; 



— 32 — 

2) To worthily receive Holy Commimion at 
Easter-time in one's own parish church. 

GB, At what age must we go to Confession and 
Communion ? 

As soon as we are capable, and sufficiently in- 
structed to receive these Sacraments profitably. 

THE VIOLATION OF THE COMMANDMENTS. 

Sin. 

66. What is sin? 

Sin is a wilful transgression of the law of God. 

67. In how many ways can we sin ? 
We can sin : 

1 ) By bad thoughts, desires, words and actions ; 

2) By the omission of the good, we are bound 
to do. 

68. Are all sins equally great % 

No ; there are grievous sins which are called 
mortal, and there are lesser sins, which are called 
venial. 

*69. When do we commit a mortal sin ? 
We commit a mortal sin, Avhen we wilfully 
transgress the law of God in an important 
matter. 



— 33 — 

*70. When do we commit venial sin ? 

We commit venial sin, when we transgress the 
law of God in a small matter, or when the 
transgression is not quite wilful. 

71. Should we avoid only grievous sins ? 

No ; we should fear and avoid every sin as the 
greatest evil on earth . 

72. What should deter us from sin 2 

The thought of its malice and of its evil effects. 

73. Should we be contented with avoiding sins 
and vices ? 

No ; we should endeavor to become virtuous and 
perfect. 



PART III. 

ON THE MEANS OF GRACE. 
Grace in General. 

*1. What do we understand by divine grace ? 

By divine grace we understand the interior, 
supernatural gift of God, which He bestows 
upon us for our eternal salvation. 

2. How many Itinds of supernatural grace are 
there ? 

There are two kinds of grace* : 

1) Actual grace ; 

2) Sanctifying grace. 



— 34 — 

§ 1. Actual Grace. 

3. In what does actual grace consist J 

Actual grace consists in this, that God enlight- 
ens our mind and moves our will, to do good 
and shun evil. 

4. Does God give grace to all men ? 

Yes ; God gives to all men sufficient grace to 
obtain salvation. 

5. What must we do, in order that the grace of 
God may lead us to salvation ? 

We ought not to resist the grace of God, but 
faithfully co-operate with it. 

§ 2. Sanctifyiistg Grace. 

6. What is sanctifying* grace ? 

Sanctifying grace is that supernatural gift* which 
makes us just and holy. 

7. How do we lose sanctifying grace 1 

We lose sanctifying grace by committing mortal 
sin. 

§ 3. Good Works. 

8. What works will the just man bring forth, 
with the help of grace ? 

The just man, with the help of grace, will bring 
forth good works. 

9. What does God chiefly consider in our good 
works ? 

Our good intention. 



— 35 — 

10. What is a good intention ? 

A good intention is the purpose of serving and 
honoring God. 

11. How may we form a good intention ? 

By saying '' O my God, I offer to Thee all my 
thoughts, words and actions," or ^^ O my God, 
all for Thy honor/' 

*12. When should we make a good intention ? 

It is most praise^yorthy to make a good inten- 
tion often daring the day and especially each 
morning. 

13. What means are particularly useful to ob- 
tain grace ? 

The holy Sacraments and prayer. 

THE SACRAMENTS. 

14. What is a Sacrament ] 

A Sacrament is an outward sign, instituted by 
Jesus Christ, by which inward grace is given 
to us. 

15. How many things are necessary to make a 
Sacrament I 

Three things are necessary to make a Sacra- 
ment : 

1) An outward sign ; 

2) An inward grace ; 

3) The institution by Jesus Christ. 



— 36 — 

16. How many Sacraments has Christ institu- 
ted ? 

Seven, namely : 1) Baptism, 2) Confirmation, 
3) Holy Eucharist, 4) Penance, 5) Extreme 
Unction, 6) Holy Orders, 7) Matrimony. 

17. How must we receive the Sacraments ? 

Worthily — that is, with the necessary prepara- 
tion. 

BAPTISM. 

18. Which is the first and most necessary Sac- 
rament ? 

Baptism is the first and most necessary Sacra- 
ment. 

*19. How is Baptism given ? 

Baptism is given by pouring water on the head of 
the person to be baptized and saying at the same 
time the words : " I baptize thee in the name of 
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy 
Ghost." 

*20. What are the effects of Baptism ? 

*l) Baptism cleanses from original sin and all 
other sins ; 

2) Makes us children of God and heirs of Heaven. 



— 37 — 

* CONFIRMATION. 

21. What is Confirmation ? 

Confirmation is that Sacrament in which a bap- 
tized person is strengthened by the Holy Ghost, 
to profess his faith manfully and practice it 
taithfully. 

22. How is confirmation administered ? 

By the imposition of the hand, anointing with 
holy chrism and the prayer of the Bishop. 

HOLY EUCHARIST, 

23. What is the Holy Eucharist ? 

The Holy Eucharist is the Body and Blood of 
our Lord Jesus Christ, under the appearances of 
bread and wine. 

§ 1. The Real Presence of Christ in the 
Blessed Sacrament. 

*24. How did Christ institute the Holy Euchar- 
ist ? 

At the Last Supper Jesus took bread, ble^ised it. 
broke it, and gave it to His disciples, sayii^ : 
'' Take ye and eat ; This is My Body ; '' then He 



— 38 — 

took the chalice with wine^ blessed it, and gave 
it to His disciples, saying : ^^ Drink ye all of this ; 
This is My Blood. Do this for a commemora- 
tion of Me/' 

25. Did Christ give to His Apostles the power, 
to change bread and wine into His sacred 
Body and Blood ? 

Yes ; Christ gave to His Apostles this power, 
when He said to them : " Do this for a com- 
memoration of Me/' 

26. To whom has this power passed from the 
Apostles ? 

This power has passed to the bishops and priests. 

27. When do bishops and priests exercise this 
power ? 

They exercise this power in Holy Mass, at the 
consecration. 

*28. What is therefore present on the altar 
after the consecration ? 

After the consecration the Body and Blood of 
Jesus Christ is present on the altar, under the 
appearances of bread and wine. 

*29. What does the real presence of Christ in 
the Blessed Sacrament require of us ? 

The real presence of Christ in the Blessed 
Sacrament requires of us that we adore Him, 
thank Him and ask Him for His grace. (Feast 
of Corpus Christi. Feast of the Sacred Heart 
of Jesus. Forty Hours^ Devotion.) 



— 39 — 

§ 2. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. 

30. When has Christ instituted the Holy Sac- 
rifice of the Mass ? 

Christ instituted the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass 
at the Last Supper, when He said to His disciples : 
* ' Do this for a commemoration of Me. '^ 

*31. What is the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass ? 

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the perpetual 
sacrifice of the New Law, in which Christ Our 
Lord offers Himself in an unbloody manner. 

32. What are the principal parts of the Mass? 

The principal parts of the Mass are : 1) The 
Offertory, 2) The Consecration, 3) Holy Com- 
munion. 

*33. For whom can Mass he offered ? 

For the whole Church, for the living and for the 
dead. 

* § 3. Holy Communion. 

34. What is Holy Communion ? 

Holy Communion is the receiving of the real Body 
and Blood of Jesus Christ, for the nourishment 
of the soui. 



— 40 — 

35. What benefits does a worthj Holy Com- 
munion impart to us ? 

A ) It unites us most intimately with Christ ; 

2) It increases sanctifying grace in us ; 

3) It weakens our evil inclinations and gives 
us both the desire and the power to do good. 

PENANCE. 

36. What is the Sacrament of Penance ? 

Penance is that Sacrament in which the priest, 
as the representative of God, forgives sins, when 
the sinner is heartily sorry, sincerely confesses 
them and is willing to do penance. 

*37. When did Christ institute the Sacrament 
of Penance ? 

Christ instituted the Sacrament of Penance after 
His resurrection when He breathed upon His 
Apostles, saying : '' Receive ye the Holy Ghost; 
whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven 
them, and whose sins you shall retain, they are 
retained." 

*38. To whom did the power of forgiving: sins 
pass from the Apostles ? 

To their successors in the priesthood, namely, the 
bishops and priests. 



— 41 — 

*39. Oan all sins be forgiyen in the Sacrament 

or renance ? 
All siuh 4*.oramitted after Baptism, can be for- 
given in the Sacrament of Penance. 

*40. Why must we confess our sins, in order to 

ohliiin pardon ? 
We must confess our sins because Christ has so 
ordained it. 

*4:1, Whfet ought we do, if we cannot confess 
imitiediately after haying committed a 
mortal sin 1 

We should mpie an act of perfect contrition 
and firmly purpose to confess the sin. 

42. How Aiany things are required for the 
woTthy reception of the Sacrament of 
Penance ? 

These f re : 1) Examination of conscience ; 2) 
Contri^ion ; 3) Resolution of amendment ; 4) 
Conf*^.ssion ; 5) Satisfaction. 

43. Wherewith should we begin the prepara- 
tion for confession 2 

W Ih a prayer to the Holy Ghost. 

§ 1. Examination of Conscience. 

44. What does it mean to examine our con* 
science ? 

To examine our conscience means, to seriously 
think over our sins, that we may know them weiL 



— 4:2 — 

*4:5. How may we best examine our conscience ? 

We should recall to our mind the Command- 
ments of God and of the Church, askmg ourselves 
how we have sinned against them by thoughts, 
words, deeds and omissions. 

46. Must we inquire into the number and cir- 
cumstances of our sins ? 

Yes ; at least when our sins are mortal. 

§ 2. CONTRITIOK. 

47. What is contrition ? 

Contrition is a heartfelt sorrow and hatred for 
our sins. 

48. What qualities must our contrition have ? 

Our contrition must be : 

1) Interior, 2) universal, 3) supernatural. 

*49. W hen is our contrition interior ? 

Contrition is interior, when our sorrow for sins 
does not merely consist in w^ords, but comes 
from our heart, T^ecause we detest them as the 
greatest evil. 

*50. When is contrition universal ? 

Contrition is universal, when we are sorry for 
all our sins, at least all mortal sins. 



- 43 — 

*51. When is contrition supernatual ? 

Contrition is supernatual, when we are sorry f oi 
our sins, because we have offended God, have 
lost heaven and deserved hell. 

*52. What should TVe do to obtain the required 
contrition ? 

We should pray earnestly for the grace of a 
true contrition and consider : 

1) That we deserve to be punished by God ; 

2) That we are the cause of Christ's suffering 
and death ; 

3) That we have offended God, our greatest 
benefactor and best of fathers, the greatest, 
most amiable Good. 

^3. When must we make the act of contrition ? 

We must make the act of contrition, before 
confession or at least before receiving absolution. 

§ 3. Purpose of Amendment. ♦ 

54. What is meant by the purpose of amende 
ment ? 

The purpose of amendment is a firm resolve 
to change our life and sin no more. 

55. How may we make an act of contrition ? 

Oh, my God, etc. (See page VIII.) 



44 



§ 4. Confession. 

56. What is confession ? 

Confession is a sorrowful telling of our sins to 
a priest, in order to obtain absolution. 

57. What are the necessary qualities for a good 
confession ? 

It must be : 1) complete, 2) sincere, 3) clear. 
*58. When is the confession complete ? 
The confession is complete, when we confess at 
least all mortal sins we remember, telling at the 
same time their number and the necessary cir- 
cumstances. 

*59. What must we do, if we cannot recall the 

exact number ? 
We must tell the number as near as we can, 
saying, for instance, about how many times in 
a day, a week or a month we have committed 
the sin. 

*60. Are we hound to confess Tenia! sins J 

We are not bound to confess venial sins, but it 
is well and advisable to do so. 

*61. When is a confession sincere ? 

The confession is sincere, when we accuse our- 
selves just as we see ourselves guilty before 
God, neither concealing nor exoufting anything. 



— 45 — 

*62. What are the consequences if we knowing- 
ly conceal a mortal sin in confession ? 

In this case the confession is invalid and is a 
new sin — a sacrilege. 

*63. What should the penitent consider, if 
ashamed to make a sincere confession ? 

He should consider, that it is far better to con- 
fess his sins to a priest, who is bound to per- 
petual silence, than to lose forever the peace of 
conscience, to die unhappily, and to be put to 
shame before the whole world on the last day. 

*64:. What must we do, il we omitted something 
in confession, which we should have told 2 

1) If we unintentionally omit anything, nothing 
more is required than to tell it m the next 
confession ; 

2) If, however, we oniitted it through our own 
grievous fault, then we must state in how 
many confessions we have done the same thing 
and repeat all these confessions. 

*65. When is a confession clear ? 

A confession is clear, when we accuse ourselves 
in plain language, so that the priest may easily 
understand evervthinor. 



— 46 — 

66. How do yon begin your confession ? 

In this manner : I confess to the Almighty God, 
and to you^ Eather, that I "have sinned. My 
last confession was.... Here say, how long it has 
been since the last confession, or whether this 
is the first confession, and then tell your sins. 

67. What do yo« say immediately after telling 
your sins ? 

These words : For these and all the sins of my 
whole life I am most heartily sorry ; I firmly 
resolve to amend my life, and I humbly beg 
penance and absolution. 

*68. What must we do then * 

We must listen attentively to the words of ad- 
vice and the penance the priest gives us, and if 
he should ask anything, answer him candidly. 
We should not leave the confessional until the 
priest gives the sign to do so. 

§ 5. Satisfaction. 

69. What do you understand by the satisfaction 
required in the Sacrament of Penance ? 

By satisfaction I understand the complying 
with the penance, which the priest has imposed. 

*70. For what purpose is a penance imposed by 
the confessor '! 

It is imposed : 

1) To atone for the temporal punishments due to 
sin ; 
J To amend our life 



— 4:7 — 

^71. What is an indulgence ? 

An indulgence is the remission of the temporal 
punishments of our sins, outside of the Sacrament 
of Penance. 

EXTREME UNCTION. 

*72. What is Extreme Unction ? 

Extreme Unction is that Sacrament, in which 
the sick person receives the grace of God prof" 
itable to his soul and often also to his body. 

* *73. How is Extreme Unction administered ? 

Through the anointing with holy oil and the 
prayer of the priest. 

*74. Which are the effects of Extreme Unction 
in the soul ? 

1) It remits venial sins and also those mortal 
sins which the sick person is unable to con- 
fess ; 

2) It comforts in sufferings a^nd strengthens 
against temptations, especially in the hour 
of death . 

75. Who may and should receive Extreme Unc^ 
tion? 

Every Catholic who has reached the age of rea- 
son, and is in danger of death from sickness. 



— 48 — 
* HOL Y ORDERS. 

76. What is the Sacrament of Holy Orders ? 

Holy Orders is that Sacrament through which 
the ministers of the Church, receive the power 
and the grace to perform the priestly functions 
in a valid and proper manner. 

77. Which are the chief powers conferred by 
the priesthood ? 

The following : 

1) The power to offer the holy sacrifice of the 
Mass ; 

2) The power to administer the Sacraments. 

* MATRIMONY, 

78. Who has instituted Matrimony ? 

God Himself instituted Matrimony in the Gar- 
den of Paradise. 

79. What has Christ done to sanctify the mar- 
riage state 2 

Christ has raised Matrimony to the dignity of 
a Sacrament. 

PRAYER. 

*80. What is prayer ? 

Prayer is the lifting up of our hearts to God in 
order to praise Him, to thank Him or to beg 
His grace. 



— 49 — 

81. Is prayer necessary for salyation ? 
Prayer is necessary for salvation to all those, 
who have come to the use of reason. 

82. With what dispositions should we pray ? 

We should above all pray with devotion and 
confidence. 

*83. When do we pray with devotion ? 

We pray with devotion, when we pray from the 
heart and avoid, as much as possible, all dis- 
tracting thoughts. 

*84. When do we pray with confidence ? 

We pray with confidence, w^hen we firmly hope 
that God will hear our prayers. 

S5. When should we pray ? 

Christ says, we ought to pray always and not 
faint. 

86, How is it possible, to pray always ? 

We pray always, when we offer all our labors, 
sufferings and joys to God. 

87. When should we especially pray ? 

In the morning and in the evening, before and 
after meals, and at the ringing of the Angelus 
bell. 

** With God begin and end the day," 
Be this your rule on life's rough way. 

88/ Which place is hest suited of all to pray ? 

The church, for it is the house of God and the 
house of prayejT. 



— 5D — 

*89, For whom should we pray ? 

We should pray for all men, for the living and 
the dead, friends and enemies, especially for our 
parents, brothers and sisters, our benefactors, 
for our spiritual and temporal superiors/ 

§ 1. The Lord^s Prayer. 

90. Which is the most excellent of all prayers « 

The most excellent of all prayers is the Our 
Father or the Lord's Prayer. 

91. Why is the Our Father called the Lord's 
Prayer ? 

Because Christ, the Lord, has taught it and 
commanded us to say it. 

92. Of what does the Our Father consist ? 

The Our Father consists of an invocation and 
seven petitions. 

93. What are the words of the invocation ? 

" Our Father, who art in Heaven.'^ 

*94. Of what does the word " Father " remind 
us? 

The word " Father ^^ reminds us that we are 
children of God and therefore pray to Him with 
child-like love. 

*95. What do we ask for in the first petition : 

" Hallowed he Thy name " ? 
In the first petition we ask, that God may be 
better loved and honored bv all men. 



— 51 — 

*96. What do we ask for in the second petition : 
" Thy Kingdom come " ? 

In the second petition we ask especis^Uy, that 
God may finally admit us into heaven. 

*97. What do we ask for, in the third petition * 
" Thy will he done on earth as it is in 
heaven"? 

In the third petition we ask^ that the will of 
God be done on earth as cheerfully as the Angels 
and Saints do it in Heaven. 

*98. What do we ask for in the fonrth petition : 
*' Griye us this day our daily bread " 2 

In the fourth petition we ask^ that God may 
give us what we need every day for soul and 
body. 

*99. What do we ask for in the fifth petition : 
u Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive 
those who trespass against us " ? 

In the fifth petition we ask, that God may pardon 
us our sins, as we forgive those, who have 
offended us. 

*100. What do we ask for in the sixth petition : 
" Lead us not into temptation " ? 

In the sixth petition we ask, that God may avert 
from us all temptations to evil, or at least give 
us sufficient grace to resist them. 



I 



— 52 — 

♦101. What do we ask for in the serenth pe- 
tition : " Bnt deliver us from evil " ? 

In the seventh petition we ask, that God may 
preserve us from all ills of body and soul, 
especially from sin and eternal damnation. 

*102. Wliy do we add the word : " Amen " or 
** so he it " I 

To express our desire and confidence, that we 
will be heard. 

§ 2. The Angelical Salutation. 

103. What prayer do we usually say after the 
" Our Father " ? 

The Angelical Salutation, or the *^Hail Mary." 

104. Of how many parts does the " Hail Mary " 
consist ? 

Two parts : a prayer of praise and a prayer of 

petition. 

105. Of what is the prayer of praise composed ? 

1) Of the words of the Archangel Gabriel: 
• ^^ Hail (Mary), full of grace, the Lord is with 

thee ; blessed art thou among women." 

2) Of the words of St. Elizabeth : ^^ And blessed 
is the fruit of thy womb,^^ to which we add the 
name of ^' Jesus. ^^ 

106. Of what does the prayer of petition con- 
sist ? 

Of the words which the Church has ^ added : 
^^ Holy Mary , Mother of God, pray for us sinners, 
now and at the hour of our death. Amen." 



— 53 — 

♦107. TVhy has the Church added these words ? 

To implore the assistance of the Mother of God 
in all necessities, but particularly to obtain in 
the end a happy death. 

108. What prayer do we say in the morning, 
at noon and in the evening at the ringing 
of the "Angelas hell"? 

We say the Angelus : '' The Angel of the Lord 
declared unto Mary/^ etc. (See Prayers, page 
IX.) 




— 54 — 

INDEX. 



Prayers and Instructions. 

The Sign of the Cross 

The Lord's Prayer . . . . 

The Angehcal Sahitation 

The Apostles' Creed 

The Ten Commandments - . . . 

The Commandments of the Church 

The Seven Sacraments - - _ 

The six Truths which every CathoKc must know and 

believe 
The Three Theological Virtues - _ - 

An Act of Contrition . _ . 

The '' Angelus," - . . . 

The Rosary - - . . . 

Prayer to the Blessed Virgin against Temptations 
The * ' Memorare " - - . . 

The '* Salve Regina " 
Prayer before Instruction 

Prayer after Instruction . - * - 

Morning Prayers _ - - . 

Evening Prayers " " : " 

G-race before and after meals - - * - 



Devotion for Children before and after 
Confession. 

Invocation of the Holy Ghost 

Examination of Conscience - - - 

Contrition and purpose of amendment 

Prayer after Confession. 



— 55' — 

£bri$ti(it» Doctrine 

INTBODUGTIOK 
Part I. 



Faith. 



PAGE 

The Apostles' Creed ... - 2 

The First Article of the Creed - - - 3 

The Second Article of the Creed - - - 8 
The Third Article of the Creed ... 9 

The Fourth Article of the Creed - - - 10 

The Fifth Article of the Creed - - - 11 

The Sixth Article of the Creed - - - 12 

Thfe Seventh Article of the Creed - - - 13 

The Eighth Article of the Creed - - - 14 

The Ninth Article of the Creed - - - 15 

The Tenth Article of the Creed - - - 17 

The Eleventh Article of the Creed - - 18 

The Twelfth Article of the Creed - • 18 

Part II. 

The Commandments.. 

The Chief Commandment - - - ^ - 20 

The Ten Commandments of God - • 22 

The First Commandment of God - - - 22 

The Second Commandment of God - - 23 

The Third Commandment of God - - - 24 

The Fourth Commandment of God - - 25 

The Fifth Commandment of God - - - 26 

The Sixth Commandment of God - - - 27 

The Seventh Commandment of God - - - 27 

The Eighth Commandment of God - • 28 

The Ninth and Tentjx Cominaudments ©f God, • 29 
L.of C. 



— 56 — 

The Five Commandments of the Church - - 30 

The Violation of the CommJhdments - - 32 

Part III. 

Means of Grace 

Grace in Greneral - - - - - 33 

The Sacraments - • - - - - 35 

Baptism ------ 36 

Confirmation - - - - - - 37 

The Holy Eucharist - - - - 37 

Penance - - . _ - - - 40 

Extreme Unction - - - - - 47 

Hol}^ Orders ... - .48 

Matrimony ... . - 48 

Prayer - • - • - -48 



JUN4-19«^ 



1 LUrY DLL. iO CAT, DIV, 

JUN. 4 1902 



